August 28, 2024
Civilian casualties in Sagaing Region have been on the rise due to military atrocities, with an average of 71 civilians killed and 66 others injured each month, according to Data For Myanmar (DFM)’s July report.
The highest number of civilian deaths occurred in townships including Kalay, Monywa, Shwebo, Yinmabin, Tamu, and Mingin, the report indicates.
The survey by DFM, conducted from January 1 to July 31, 2024, is based on data collected from domestic media sources and other reliable reports.
According to DFM, between January 1 and July 31, 2024, a total of 499 civilians were killed and 464 others injured in Sagaing Region due to the military’s violent actions.
Of the 499 deaths, 428 were attributed to the military junta, 20 to revolutionary armed groups, 9 to the Pyu Saw Htee militia, and 4 to the Kukki armed group.
The report also notes that 38 civilians were killed due to crossfire during battles, as well as incidents involving civilian disputes, criminal gangs, or other unverifiable causes.
Among the casualties, 159 were women and children, with the majority of deaths caused by artillery strikes, drone attacks, mines, and airstrikes.
The rising civilian death toll in Sagaing Region is attributed to the military’s failure to adhere to the laws of armed conflict, indiscriminate attacks on civilians and armed groups alike, and inadequate precautions to protect civilians from harm, according to Data For Myanmar.
